JACKSON, TN (abc24.com) - A west Tennessee man pleaded guilty to violation of privacy charges after he was caught trying to secretly photograph the reigning Miss Tennessee in a tanning booth.
27-year-old Nicholas Vestal of Bells appeared in Jackson City Court on May 23. He was accused of unlawful photography in violation of privacy for trying to take a cell phone picture of Erin Hatley while she was using a tanning booth at Island Tan and Swimwear in Jackson on May 5.
Investigators stated that Hatley saw the phone pointed down at her over the wall between her and another tanning booth. She yelled and the phone was immediately removed; she then reported the incident to the business who contacted Jackson police. Officers found Vestal had rented the booth next to Hatley and seized his phone, but he was unable to take a picture of Hatley.
Vestal admitted to the incident, but told officers he did not know who was in the adjoining booth; he said he just wanted to take a picture for his own arousal knowing the person would be undressing.
Vestal was ordered to three days of community service and supervised probation for six months. The judge also ordered a mental evaluation to determine if any further treatment is needed. Vestal is also banned from all Island Tan and Swimwear properties, and he was court ordered to have no contact with Hatley either directly or indirectly.
Erin Hatley was in Jackson May 5 for an appearance as Miss Tennessee.
